After making it through the Thanksgiving meal preparation, not even a month later comes the classic Christmas dinner where the cycle starts all over again. The holiday season is a time to spend with loved ones over a nice comforting meal, so this year, take the stress off and treat yourself to the best gift of going out to an astounding restaurant for a memorable meal. See our picks for tons of options when it comes to nixing the cooking and celebrating Christmas at a restaurant in the Hamptons.
See Also: Gurney's Montauk's Dining Igloos Return For Warm Winter Bites
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290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk / 631.668.2345 / Website
Head to Montauk for a scenic holiday meal at Gurney’s and enjoy the views at Scarpetta Beach while indulging in a delightful dinner with your loved ones. Openly nightly year-round, this soulful Italian hotspot delivers common and seasonal dishes, fresh seafood selections, and a world-class wine list. Although the restaurant has not yet released its Christmas menu, last year's included a prix-fixe four-course meal and a special eggnog crème brûlée for dessert.
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239 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays / 631.763.6300 / Website
What once was the first stop of beach-bound visitors making their way east, the Canoe Place Inn has been reimagined for a new generation of guests. For Christmas, the Good Ground Tavern within the establishment will provide a special Christmas Eve Dinner that embraces the magic and wonder of the holiday. Upon arriving, families will be greeted with glowing holiday lights, along with festive cocktails for the adults. The menu features holiday-inspired selections like marinated bay scallop crudo and parsnip soup with Asian pear and black truffle, but save room for indulgent desserts like the chocolate mousse tart with peppermint cremeux or the delicate eggnog panna cotta.
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1 Ocean Rd, Bridgehampton / 631.537.5665 / Website
With artisanal menus and market-driven featuring some updated takes on French cuisine, regional street food and everything in between, spread the Christmas cheer as you dine with family and friends. Each year, Almond celebrates the season with a Christmas Eve pig roast, but, if you’re not feeling the pig roast, an a la carte menu will also be available. To show thanks and give back to the community, the best part of this meal is a portion of the proceeds are donated to a charity that provides pajamas for homeless children.
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45 Main St., Sag Harbor / 631.725.3535 / Website
For a beautiful, traditionally decorated dining room, try The American Hotel for Christmas dinner or even book a weekend stay at this classic location. The restaurant within the hotel is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, highlighting award-winning American-French meals with an eclectic blend of local and imported produce. Some of the goodies served last season included lobster bisque, prime rib of roast beef, Long Island duck breast and an assortment of holiday desserts for children and adults.
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2468 Main St., Bridgehampton / 631.537.5110 / Website
Located in the heartbeat of the charming Hamptons, one simply cannot be wrong with a visit to Pierre’s for Christmas. Created by fifth-generation baker Pierre Weber, he continues to share his vision within a chic but casual restaurant with support from Euro-friendly New Yorkers and Hamptons locals. A few of their menu favorites on the standard dinner menu include the fresh fettuccine with their homemade pesto, the roasted certified heritage chicken served with ratatouille and potato mousseline, or any of their seafood entrees. Try one of the specialty desserts like the Buches de Noël or Snowman dessert to end your evening.
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1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton / 631.808.2000 / Website
Iconically known as the only full-service luxury hotel in the Hamptons, Topping Rose House reimagines 19th-century estate with traditional architecture, contemporary design and modern comfort. This casually elegant restaurant serving all three meals every day is preparing delicious dishes using farm-to-table techniques sourced from local farms. Although the holiday menu has not been released yet, Jean Georges at Topping Rose House typically has a prix-fixe Christmas Eve dinner, with a menu comprising some favorite dishes on the East End.
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1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill / 631.500.9292 / Website
Whether you are looking for your next winter soiree or a place to enjoy a holiday meal, Calissa is bringing Mykonos to this Christmas Eve Dinner by focusing on recipes from the Aegean Islands made with exceptional ingredients. Plus, the Calisaa Chalet is a ski-inspired lounge inside, which is sure to give you the cozy feeling you need this winter with fan favorites like spiked hot chocolate and Alpine fondue. The menu has all Greek cuisine classics, a perfect meal to share with your companions for the holiday.
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405 Montauk Hwy, East Quogue / 631.653.6770 / Website
In 1910, this establishment started as a speakeasy during Prohibition and transformed into the beloved and iconic place it is today. Although it’s closed on Christmas Day, Stone Creek offers an a la carte menu each Christmas Eve that is to die for. Choose from your favorite comforting dishes for a fantastic holiday meal like the grilled black Angus filet mignon, potato ricotta gnocchi, or the seasonal Thai vegetable stew.
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1 Long Wharf, Sag Harbor / 631.808.3767 / Website
What started as a restaurant with only 35 seats, every night felt like a family reunion, and Le Bibloquet is keeping that cozy nestled-up vibe during this holiday season. French food gives us all the cozy Christmas vibes, making this beloved restaurant a great choice to celebrate this year. While the menu hasn't been released yet, expect to find beautifully prepared dishes like the halibut served with clams and baby turnips, a perfectly-cooked New York prime steak with frites and of course, La Mousse au Chocolat with dark chocolate and chantilly.
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290 Montauk Hwy, East Hampton / 631.527-5372 / Website
Make way on your holiday sleigh to Highway Restaurant and Bar for a casual and nostalgic Christmas dinner. Known as the epitome of what every great neighborhood restaurant aspires to be, where guests can feel right at home, their seasonally inspired New American cuisine gives a nod to urban and global influences. Last season, they offered a selection of holiday experiences throughout the colder months including traditional roasts to Asian night dinners. Be sure to look out for their seasonal desserts or check for their previously seen holiday cookie basket to bring some goodies home on the way if you simply cannot wait.
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136 North Main Street at Cedar Street / 631.324.3550 / Website
Charming, dependable and seasonally inspired meals are the backbone of this restaurant, built in a community ripe with edible bounty. The Tuscan House farm setting, accompanied by the wood-burning oven, adds a special ambiance to the dining room's energy as families gather over good food night after night. As seen last year, Nick and Toni’s offers a special prix fixe menu on Christmas Eve, with a special “Bambini Menu” for the little ones as well, which includes some Mediterranean classics with an emphasis on natural flavors.
The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, and with these restaurants opening their doors to your family, take a seat and become a part of a new culinary family. Instead of having to worry about the post-Christmas-dinner clean-up, sit back and enjoy the magic of the season as you cuddle up with those you love for the rest of the night.
Photography by: FG Trade / Getty Images
